The Day 2 Challenge is: RE-UPLOAD A POST YOU WISH PEOPLE HAD PAID MORE ATTENTION TO

The post I chose for this challenge was titled:

CARDS FOR KIDS ~ CREATE, GIVE,MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD.

Most days, when you stop in for a spell at Rook No. 17 you'll find a recipe, a craft project, or some free vintage clipart. My aim is to "give' something to everyone who stops by, whether it's an idea, an inspiration, or a little nudge into the kitchen. When I published "CARDS FOR KIDS" back in October of last year, it was with the hope that I would not only inspire some creativity, but the spirit of giving and "paying it forward" as well.

If you're interested participating in this philanthropic drive that distributes handmade cards to children in hospitals and shelters during holidays, you can visit their Facebook page HERE.

My family and I participated in Cards for Kids by hosting a card-making party for a small group of friends. It turned out to be a rewarding experience for everyone! You can read more about it HERE.

HERE'S THE ORIGINAL POST:

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CARDS FOR KIDS: CREATE, GIVE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

I HAD SEVERAL INSPIRATIONS come to mind for articles today. My head was thinking, “TGIF! How about a weekly Happy Hour post featuring seasonal cocktail recipes?” I was getting all toasty just thinking about my favorite Fall beverage: The Hot Apple Pie. But my heart was thinking something entirely different. And I felt pretty warm and toasty thinking about it too…

…Despite a genuine desire to get involved and be an agent of change, we’re sometimes discouraged by the magnitude of the worlds’ problems. Personally, I often get so wrapped up in my little world and mini-dramas that I forget the power of the butterfly effect ~ that often a small, good gesture can have potent results.

I was delighted yesterday, when my dear friend Sara forwarded me some information about a cause called “CARDS FOR KIDS”. The goal of “CARDS FOR KIDS” is to make and deliver cards, goodies, etc. to children who are in the hospital or living in shelters at holiday time. Their latest drive is for Halloween cheer, to be distributed all over Southern California on October 30th (along with Halloween candy of course!).

The good people at “CARDS FOR KIDS” WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP, so they can bring a little something to as many kids as possible. Here’s how to help:

3. Share this information with your child’s teacher at school. Perhaps they’d be interested in participating as a class project.

What a wonderful project to do with your children, and an excellent opportunity to talk to them about reaching out to others in need and the spirit of giving.

Eager to learn more, I contacted Jodie Kocur, the driving force behind “CARDS FOR KIDS” and enjoyed the following interview:

ROOK NO. 17: Jodie, what was the inspiration for the creation of "Cards for Kids"?

JODIE: The inspiration was an experience I had when my daughter was first born. When she was born her doctor was worried she might have a very serious infection and so we lived in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks while they tested her and gave her antibiotics through an IV. Easter happened to fall during that time and it made it even harder to be in this scary situation over a holiday when we would usually be celebrating and surrounded by family and friends in our home. It also made me so sad for the other children and families who were in the hospital with us, who were also missing their Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, and family celebrations. . After that experience, I wanted to do something for the families and children who are experiencing a very difficult time and on top of that have to be away from home for a holiday and may be feeling very alone.

ROOK NO. 17: So, how did “Cards for Kids” get started?

JODIE: Although my personal experience started me thinking about doing something, the true catalyst for the program was when a student in one of my classes (I am a professor of psychology at California Lutheran University and I teach Child Development, Child Psychopathology, etc.) approached me and shared that she had the same desire I did to do something for these children. Our common desire started the program. Last year, it started with just her and I sitting out in a common area on campus at a folding table and asking students to stop and write Easter cards for the children. We delivered over 80 hand-made cards along with candy and Easter eggs to the children and families at the Ventura County Medical Center, where I had been with my daughter. The day I brought the cards was the first time I'd been back since we were released with a clean bill of health for our newborn and I couldn't help but break down and cry. I know that these cards are not a huge thing, but if they help these children and families get through just one more day in their journey and fight for health, then I will feel we've made a difference.

ROOK NO. 17: What has been the response to “Cards for Kids” from your campus? The community at large?

JODIE: After the first event, many students approached us with the desire to help and we realized that with their help, and the help of others, we could grow the program and reach many more children and hospitals. In addition to our goal of reaching more hospitals this year, one of our team members came up with the idea to also try to deliver to shelters. And that brings us to today! This is our first event since the event for Easter last Spring.

ROOK NO. 17: Where can people go if they want to find out more about “Cards for Kids”, or find a link to pass the information on to others?

JODIE: My students encouraged me to share the event on Facebook. I am already so excited about the way that Facebook has helped spread the message to others that may want to help, just like you, Jenn!

To show your support for “CARDS FOR KIDS” or to find out more, visit their event page on FacebookHERE

5 comments:

Hi Jenn, Saying hi again from SITS! I am too swamped with life this week to participate in the contest but I am trying to check in everyday and follow along. I am going to share this post with my daughter. She is looking for a "mitzvah" project for her Bat Mitzvah and it is supposed to be something meaningful to her and that uses talents she possesses. She is extremely artistic and loves making cards. This might be something she could get excited about. Glad you re-posted!

This is a great idea and, you're right, it should be read by more people. I'm going to forward your link to some of my teacher friends. I'd love to see school kids do something like this for our local children's hospital.